Chapter 26

Luna, Rhana, and Eddie are having lunch together when Luna suddenly feels nauseous. She rushes from the table to the bathroom, worrying Rhana, Eddie, and Laura. Owen immediately follows her to see if she needs help, while the others at the table express concern, fearing it might be something related to Luna’s liver.

Owen reaches the bathroom door, worried, and calls out to Luna, asking if she needs help. As Owen waits anxiously for a response, the troubling sound of Luna vomiting can be heard echoing from inside the bathroom. After a tense silence in the bathroom, Luna emerges holding a towel, wiping her face, which she had washed with water. Her expression shows a mix of discomfort and relief. Owen watches her with concern.

Owen asks, “Luna, are you okay?”

(looking at Owen with a serious expression) Luna says, “We need to talk, Owen.”

Owen, suggesting a break in the garden to get some fresh air, invites her there, hoping it might improve the situation and provide a calmer environment for the upcoming conversation.

“Sure, let’s go to the garden. Maybe the fresh air will help.”

(wiping her face with the towel) “Yes, let’s go. It will do me good,” Luna agrees.

Owen accompanies Luna to the garden, where the soft sunlight and cool breeze create a more peaceful setting. As they walk, the tension lingers in the air, and Owen continues to express his concern.

Trying to reassure Luna, Owen says, “We’re in the garden now. Can you tell me what’s going on? Don’t you think it would be a good idea to see a doctor again? You’ve been treating your liver, but it doesn’t seem to be working. We could change doctors, what do you think?”

Luna chooses a bench in the garden and sits down, hesitating, before she begins to share her thoughts with Owen. The rest of the group is still anxiously awaiting news about Luna’s condition.

“I’m grateful for everything you and your family have done for me. It’s been a week since we got married, and you’ve been like an angel in my life since then. You’ve always treated me with respect and have been here to help and protect me all this time. I know how much you’ve sacrificed to be with someone you barely know, so I can’t deceive you.”

“You’re scaring me. Whatever it is, you can tell me,” Owen says.

“The nausea I’ve been feeling has nothing to do with my liver. I wish it were just that; it would be much less painful,” Luna begins to say.

“Is it something more serious?” he asks.

“When Vincenzo kidnapped Davis, I told myself I would make him fall in love with me and make him pay for everything he did to us. So I pretended to be interested in him, showing affection and shyness. But I didn’t expect to fall in love with him, and as a result, I ended up giving myself to him. This nausea is due to pregnancy. I found out last time I went to the doctor that I’m one month pregnant.” Luna starts to cry.

“Why are you crying?” Owen asks and hugs her.

“Because I don’t want to add another burden to your life,” she says, distressed.

“You’re not a burden, and neither is the baby. I’ll do everything I can to protect both of you, even if I have to sacrifice my life for you. Even though our marriage is fake, I feel like I’m part of your family. After all, we’re great friends. There’s no reason for you to be scared or justify yourself,” he reassures her.

“You’re amazing. Any woman who stands by your side will be the happiest in the world, without a doubt. Even if I tried, I couldn’t thank you as much as you deserve, Owen.”

Owen wraps Luna in a warm embrace, his eyes reflecting surprise and joy at hearing the news that she is pregnant with Vincenzo’s child. Owen knew their marriage was just a formality, but he was willing to make Luna like him.

Owen and Luna gather everyone in the living room to announce that they need to support Luna now more than ever.

“Son, what’s happening?” Laura asks.

“Luna has something to tell you,” Owen replies.

“Go ahead, dear. You know we’re here to help,” Eddie says, showing his support.

“Rhana isn’t here, but you can talk to her later. I want to thank you all for everything you’ve done for me. I recently found out that the nausea I’ve been feeling is due to a pregnancy, not my liver. Furthermore, I wanted to wait for the right moment to tell you, as I didn’t want Owen to carry too heavy a burden,” Luna says.

“You know you’ll never be a burden to any of us. This child will be like our grandchild,” Laura expresses her happiness.

“I echo Laura’s words.” Eddie confirms Laura’s statement.

“You don’t know how grateful I am for everything; you are always supporting me,” Luna says through her tears.

“Don’t cry. We would never abandon you, and this baby will have an uncle who will love it very much,” Owen says, his eyes shining.

“Thank you for everything. I’m crying with joy and gratitude,” Luna says.

The roar of the engine ceased abruptly as Dom Carlo’s car stopped in front of the ranch. The dust settled slowly, revealing the imposing presence of the leader, accompanied by his daughter-in-law, Megan, and a determined entourage. The group advanced with resolve, entering the property where Luna was, surprising everyone. The tense silence hung in the air, anticipating the imminent developments.

Dom Carlo entered the house with an imposing presence, filling the space with his domineering aura. Eddie, sensing the tension, hurried to grab his weapon, but before he could react, one of Dom Carlo’s soldiers acted quickly, pushing him against the sofa. The room was filled with oppressive silence as the soldier ordered everyone to stay seated, imposing the leader’s will firmly.

Fearful that Dom Carlo had come to take her, Owen positioned himself in front of Luna as a protective shield. Dom Carlo, with an imperious gaze, directed his attention to one of the soldiers, ordering him to remove Owen from the way with a firm gesture. The tension in the room increased as the leader’s will was executed without hesitation.

Laura, frightened, shouted, questioning the purpose of the visit and fearing what might happen to Owen and Luna. Luna, unable to contain her anguish, began to cry, expressing her apprehension. Dom Carlo, remaining calm, revealed, “I already know everything about your pregnancy.”

Upon hearing Dom Carlo’s words, Luna and the others exchanged apprehensive glances. Megan, sensing the tension, took the initiative and introduced herself:

“Luna, I’m Megan, Vincenzo’s wife. We’re here to address this situation. You’re expecting a child from my husband, and I’ve been informed that he will never be the father of this bastard.”

Owen interrupts Megan, saying, “How dare you say that about a child?”

“I’m speaking the truth. A child born out of wedlock—what name can you give it? I want you and this child away from my husband. He will never know about this child, or I will make sure you are erased from the face of the earth. Be assured of that,” Megan concludes.

“I have nothing to do with Vincenzo. What happened between us was a mistake, nothing more,” Luna says, still in tears.

“Don’t speak to my daughter-in-law. You are unworthy and don’t even come close to her. My son always liked a good whore to bed, and that’s all,” Dom Carlo says.

Owen tries to advance to hit Dom Carlo, but Luna holds him back, fearing what he might do.

“You must leave the country tomorrow and never come back. If you do, I will kill all of you,” Dom Carlo orders.

Dom Carlo finishes giving his orders and walks to the car with Megan.